Salvation Army kettle stolen in Addison

December 06, 2010

A Salvation Army collection kettle -- and whatever money was inside it -- was stolen near the entrance of a grocery store in west suburban Addison Saturday afternoon after it was left unattended, officials from the charitable organization and police said.

Salvation Army Development Director Sue Linden said the kettle, a stand and a sign were taken while two of the organization's bell ringers were taking their lunch break about 2 p.m. All of the day's collections also were taken, Linden said.

Addison Detective Sgt. Brian Goss said two shoppers reported seeing four boys swipe the bucket and stand, then run off in an unknown direction. The shoppers alerted grocery store employees, who called 911.

Linden said potentially several hundred dollars could have been taken, but Addison police said a bell ringer they interviewed estimated the day's take at about $30 to $50.

The kettle and equipment combined were valued at $750, Linden said.

"It's disappointing," said Linden. "We're trying to raise money for the needy, then something like this happens."

Linden said the bell ringers are partially to blame for taking their 30-minute lunch at the same time and leaving the equipment unattended outside the Jewel-Osco store at 140 Lake St.

However, Salvation Army officials were still surprised by the theft, because the base of the stand alone weights about 70 pounds, according to organization officials.

Police are reviewing the store's security camera footage, and they referred the theft investigation to school liaison officers to try to identify the unknown male juveniles, Goss said. Police believe the theft was an isolated incident.

Linden said while the thieves may have stolen the equipment just for the cash in the kettle, she fears that someone might falsely represent the organization by using the equipment and collecting cash for themselves.

Last year, someone stole similar collection equipment outside a Dunkin' Donuts in Elmhurst, organization officials said. A bell ringer also reported last year that someone attempted to strong arm him to steal equipment outside a Jewel-Osco grocery store in Lombard before the bell ringer made a loud noise and the suspect ran away.

Linden said that losing equipment is a substantial loss for them.

"We have been taking a few hits lately," said Linden.

Linden said that anyone with information about the stolen equipment should contact the Addison Police Department at 630-543-3080.